23.11 Phytonadione (Vitamin K) for Newborn

Overview

1. IM injection given shortly after birth
2. Also known as Vitamin K

Nursing Points

General

1. Why it’s routinely given: Newborns are born without coagulation factors  
2. This is given to prevent any hemorrhagic disorders that may result, as newborns are deficient in vitamin K at birth.

Assessment

1. Monitor for bleeding

Therapeutic Management

1. Given IM
   1. Administer IM injection in thigh (vastus lateralis)
      1. Hold them tight because they’ll move!
2. Given 1 hr after birth
   1. Remember skin to skin time with mother is priority, this can be given after the Golden Hour

Nursing Concepts

1. Pharmacology
2. Clotting

Patient Education

1. Purpose
2. Vitamin not vaccine
3. Risks if they do not receive it